How Igalas’re Scheming To Wrest Power From Kogi Gov In November 2 Gubber Poll

May 6, 2019

Leaders of the Igala speaking people in the Kogi East Senatorial District are already putting their acts together in their determination to wrest power from the incumbent from the Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the November 2, 2019 governorship election in the State.

Part of the scheme is for the over 40 aspirants of Igala extract to the governorship position from different political parties, to step down for one another when the heat is on, and a committee has been set up by the elder’s council of Igala people to prune down the number of aspirants from 43 to four before the party primaries which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled for August this year.

The decisions and the setting up of the committee was made on May 1^st at a meeting elder’s council, convened by the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali which was he held at his residence at Maitama area of the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Those who were close to the meeting said that about 43 aspirants to the governorship position from different political parties attended it with Professor Seidu Ogah and Elder Obolo Okpanachi offering the opening prayers.

Information has it that the convener, Ahmodu Ali gave a brief run down of why the meeting was called.

Among other delicate issues raised, he reminded the Aspirants that the Igala Nation is known for its Kingly attitude, as it wasn’t known for losing wars.

He was quoted as saying that like Republicans whose attitude has to be “me, or no one else,” which he said was the very reason, “why we are where we are today.

He further stressed that even the Western world whose democracy we are practicing, are not living up to the true tenet of what democracy is about, referring to democracy as Government of, by and for the people.

“The recent election in the United States is one evidence, where the Electoral College determines everything, and not the popular vote.”

The Chairman of the Screening Committee, Sule Iyaji, was also quoted as reminding the aspirants that without the love of the people at heart, there can be no contest in the governorship election.

He unveiled the criteria for selection as follows;

Collection of Corriculum Vitaes

Transparency will be the guiding principle.

Collate, aggregate, quantify and arrive at a clear figures of scores.

The use of appraisal form. This will include: educational qualification, political experience, management experience, lion heartedness, visible impact, state-wide acceptability & debt profile.

Other considerations such as EFCC investigations and others, will be key.

The Committee, on behalf of his members, warned sternly, that on no account should ant of the Aspirants, flirt with his members. The seriousness attached to this task, led to the removal of some of the Committee members, who were caught, extorting money from Aspirants, thereby, tarnishing the image of the Committee.

The Aspirants were admonished to ensure they are always alert and ready for series of emergency sessions, to ensure the deadline is worked with, putting in view, the closeness of the governorship election.

The essence of getting 3 , of the over 40 Aspirants, is to reduce to its barest minimum, the issues of money politics in governance structure.

Senator Ahmodu Ali opened the floor, for few Aspirants to , on behalf of their colleagues, make input . Among the few who spoke include:

Hon Simon Maha:

He stressed on the need to ensure the ideals of our founding fathers is rejuvenated in our time. He admonished his co-Aspirants that whoever emerges, the rest should use their professional expertise to support the consensus candidate to succeed, but before, during and after the election.

AVM Salihu Atawodi:

He was passionate about the security of both the Aspirants and our people. He spoke decisively on modalities being put in place, by the Retired Senior Military Officers at ensuring the security of lives and properties in Kogi state, and plans being made, to halt the reoccurrence of what happened during the February and March elections.

Comrade Sunday Bala Oma:

He began by causing a little uproar, when he pleaded with the Honourable House to express his thought in English. Not because he isn’t fluent in his mother tongue, but just to passionately press home his intent. After much ado, H.E Sen Ahmodu Ali gave him the go ahead, as it was emphasized that there might be those amongst us, whose tribal inclination to the Igala Nation, may warrant some thoughts to be shared in English.

SB Oma was glad to inform the audience how happy he was, especially as it touches on the unity of the Igala Nation, for the first time in history. He pleads with all, to accept the outcome of the entire process, since the unity of our people, should be the driving force, behind the Aspirant’s intents.

He suggested that, in addition to the 8 points listed by the Screening Committee, Aspirants should be allowed to engage amongst themselves, in an open secret vote, in choosing the consensus. He also added that a peace accord should be organized so Aspirants will sign, to show their commitment towards this just course.

He was emphatic to conclude that if this plan sees the light of day, all of us, would have left behind, a legacy that will stand the test of time, which other tribes and ethnic nationalities will emulate thereafter.

Other speakers includes, the PDP Zonal Chairman and the Representative of the APC. Both of them advice on the need for the parties to be Carrie along, in the selection process, as they have knowledge of the Aspirants contesting on their platforms.

Aspirants, agreed to contribute 150,000naira each, for the smooth running of the Secretariat of the Screening Committee and other logistics involved. H.E appreciated all for coming, and admonished us not to be deterred as victory shall be ours in the end. Elder Obolo was asked to say the closing prayer. The meeting was brought to a halt at 2.55pm.

Atiku Remembers Late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Describes Him As Man Of Peace

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

The Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last Presidential election in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has described the former Nigeria’s President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua as a man of peace and a leader with a vision.

In a statement today, May 5, marking the second a marking the ninth anniversary of the death of the late President, Atiku described late Umaru as an advocate and proponent of the Rule of Law and the doctrine of Separation of Powers.

“His was the only administration that did not suffer from Executive-Legislative tensions in this Fourth Republic.

“I am proud of what he achieved and the fact that such a decent leader was produced by my political family (the Yar’adua political family) and my political party (the Peoples Democratic Party).

“May the Almighty Allah continue to shine His Noor (Light) on the face of our late dear President Umaru Yar’Adua as we mark 9 years of his passing and may Allah (SWT) grant him al-Jannah Firdaus.”

Kidnappers Turn On Each Other, Pregnant-Wife Of Rival Gang Kidnapped

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

A fierce dispute has broken out between two rival kidnapping gangs after an eight-month pregnant-woman, who is a wife to a member of one of the gang members was abducted by the opposing group, in a place in the North-Western Nigeria.

In a telephone conversation clip obtained by PRNigeria, a member of the gang whose pregnant woman was abducted offered to pay a ransom of N100, 000 for her to be released, while speaking in both Hausa and Fulfulde to a member of the other group.

However, the abductors of the pregnant declined the offer, saying the meagre amount will not even be enough for cigarette-smoking.

“If you are having N100, 000 presently, would you have even think of abducting a pregnant woman?” responded the member of the kidnapping gang whose woman was abducted.

This was even as the gang of the kidnapped pregnant woman had abducted a member of the rival who volunteered the phone number of the group and pleaded with them to release the victim.

They also threatened to burn down the settlement, rustle the cattle and kill the women, children and aged relations of the group that kidnapped their member’s wife, if she is not released within the next 24 hours.

2 Anglican Church Priests Dismissed For Alleged Homosexuality

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

The Arochukwu/Ohafia Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Abia State has dismissed two priests for allegedly indulging in homosexuality.

A letter entitled: “Notice of dismissal from ministry”, dated April 29, 2019, and signed by Bishop of the Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Johnson Onuoha, circulated to all archbishops and bishops of the church said that an investigation by the diocese, after it got wind of the allegation, confirmed that the two men were neck-deep in the act.

The memorandum which was also copied to the Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, warned any persons dealing with the expelled clerics to be mindful as such could dent the image of the church.

The letter read in part: “We wish to inform you that the following clergy have been dismissed from the diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia. They are Rev. Chukwuemeka Duru and Rev. Solomon Chukwuzubelu Okonkwo.

“The report got to us that they were indulged in the act of homosexuality. We investigated and found them guilty of such accusation. We were left with no option than to withdraw their letters of order (licences and certificates of ordination) and dismissed them from the ministry.

“Therefore, anyone dealing with these persons should tread with care as such can drag the image of the church to the mud.”

A staff of the Cathedral of All Saints Ugwuavo, Arochukwu confirmed the incident, saying: “Yes, we heard such thing, investigated and confirmed it. So, we showed them the way out. It’s not actually supposed to come from me, but the bishop. What you heard is true; there’s something like that.”

Source: Sunday Sun.

Ramadan Moon Sighted, Muslims Begin Fasting Tomorrow

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

Muslims all over the world will begin the 30-day Fasting from tomorrow, Monday, May 6, with the sighting of Ramadan Moon in various locations across the country and other parts of the world.

In Nigeria, the Secretary – General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, confirmed the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan in Sokoto, Kebbi and Yobe states even as the sighting of the Moon is also confirmed in Saudi Arabia.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has therefore formally announced the commencement of the Fasting Tomorrow.

Across the world, Muslims fast each day for the entire month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. That means about 15 hours without food, water, cigarettes or caffeine.

Fasting is aimed at drawing worshippers closer to God through self-control, remembrance and humility. The challenge of fasting for many is also a chance to reset spiritually and physically, kick bad habits and purify the heart.

During the day, Muslims must also abstain from sex, gossip and cursing, and are encouraged to focus on meditative acts like prayer, reading the Quran and charity.

It’s common practice across many Muslim-majority nations for liquor stores and hotels to curb the sale of alcohol during Ramadan. Often, restaurants shutter their doors during the day.

Those exempt from fasting include children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people travelling.

The Ramadan fast begins with a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” to prepare hungry stomachs for the long day ahead. A typical suhoor often includes bread, vegetables, fruits, yogurt, tea, as well as lentils and beans.

At sunset, when it’s time to mark the end of the daylong fast, families and friends gather for an evening meal known as “iftar.”

Muslims typically break their fast as the Prophet Muhammad did some 1,400 years ago, by eating sweet dates and drinking water, followed by a sunset prayer. Then, the iftar meals are enjoyed. These are often lavish affairs of home-cooked platters of rice, stews and meat, as well as spreads of desserts and other sweets.

Buhari Chats With Femi Adesina On Arrival From London

Greenbarge Reporters

May 5, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari Chats with his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on his return today, Sunday, May 5 from the United Kingdom after 10 days private visit. Others are Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai; Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammed Musa Bello and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.

President Muhammadu Buhari speaks to the correspondent of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Adamu Sambo,on his return from the UK.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a handshake with the FCT Minister Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello, SGF Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari and Chief of Defence Staff General Abayomi Olonisakin, Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.

Why And How Buhari Won 2019 Presidential Election, By Garba Shehu

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

President Buhari raised his eight fingers in front of his enthusiastic supporters to signify two term of 8 years.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who came to office in a seismic political shift that swept out of office 16 years of continuous rule by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP recorded yet another resounding victory to win a second term in office, leading his closest rival by a record-setting four million votes.

His party, the All Progressives Congress, APC gained the highest parliamentary majority in the Fourth Republic in the Senate and the House of Representatives, giving the President an ample room to carry out reforms he wished to carry out, but was outmaneuvered and frustrated by the Eighth National Assembly.

While campaigning for the 2015 general elections, President Buhari’s All APC made promises to end Boko Haram terrorism and secure the country for it to be efficiently managed; to restructure the economy, halt its downward slide and create jobs and to fight corruption because, as the president repeatedly says, “if Nigeria doesn’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.”

His climactic victory against the then incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, his strong message on the three issues as listed above, his practical and serious approach helped to awaken a nation misled by characters who placed self above nation for sixteen years and more.

The Buhari administration has established for itself an anti-corruption reputation and has been in office nearing four years without a major scandal. The African Union has on account of this, selected the President as the continent’s anti-corruption champion.

The Buhari administration can pat itself on the back for this achievement when it is viewed against the established culture in which corruption is the norm.

To win the war against corruption and institute transparency in the affairs of government, the Buhari administration introduced a number of fiscal reforms and plugged several leakages.

In the firm belief that the party was not mistaken about the problems facing the country, Candidate Buhari went into the February, 2019 campaign on the same issue platforms. The President and his party looked certain of victory from the sea of crowds that attended his political rallies all over the 36 states of the federation. He was the only candidate to have campaigned at least once in each state and the Federal Capital Territory.

These rallies attracted large crowds, mostly of the poor who are trusting in his impeccable qualities of honesty and integrity, and have bought into the idea that he will quickly push their country onto the top by lifting up the economy, creating jobs, securing the nation and ending the nightmarish corruption which had become the order of the day. Some of the events were marked by incidents of road acc ident, podium or building collapse and stampede leading to tragic losses of life.

At many of those well-attended rallies, the venues fell short of the people gathered. Thousands of supporters outside tried to barge into the inner rings of the venues. Pleas were not heard by surging crowds which resorted sometimes to throwing chairs, sachet water and bottles into the no-man zones in front of the stage.

It was evident from the commencement of the campaign that President Buhari had a a two-pronged election strategy, one to showcase the achievements of his administration in its first term and two, to cash in on his popularity with the lower rungs of the population.

The party itself doubled down on President Buhari by zeroing in on his image as a diligent, coolheaded and incorruptible leader. In that enduring appeal, the APC saw a trump card going into the election.

Nobody can question President Buhari’s achievements. They are there for all to see.

The administration has significantly curtailed corruption to the point of abolishing what is called “grand corruption.” Given Treasury Single Account ,TSA , th e Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Scheme, IPPS, the Bank Verification Number, BVN number and Whistle Blower schemes, it is no longer possible for people in authority to, for instance, request the withdrawal of millions, or sometimes billions of Naira or US Dollars to be shared among party members as was the practice under the past administrations. To boot, the Buhari administration has signed onto the global Open Government Partnership, OGP.

Reforms are being carried out in the justice sector with a number of domestic legislations and international agreements to facilitate the identification, tracing, freezing, recovery and forfeiture of ill-gotten assets.

The administration’s primary sectors of agriculture and solid minerals have experienced growth of 180 and 565 percentage points respectively. Nigeria has today achieved near self-sufficiency in rice production.

Government has launched a series of funding and capacity development initiatives to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The work of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), inaugurated by President Buhari in August 2016 has resulted in moving Nigeria up 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, and earning a place on the list of 10 most improved economies. In this regard, the administration has issued a number of Executive Orders on improving efficiency in the business environment and promoting local content.

The Buhari administration has also demonstrated a single-minded commitment to upgrading and developing Nigeria’s transport, power and health infrastructure.

Road projects are ongoing across every state of the country, with many of these projects having been abandoned for many years.

The country’s narrow-gauge rail network of 3,500 Kms is currently being upgraded; Abuja’s light rail system has been completed and commissioned with a link to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, which has equally been completed and launched. The Ibadan-Lagos standard gauge rail is being test run . Ibadan-Kano has been awarded.

The administration has successfully reconstructed the Abuja Airport runway, completed and commissioned new terminal buildings in Port Harcourt and Abuja with Lagos, Kano, Enugu and the others soon to be inaugurated.

Several water supply projects and dam/irrigation projects have been completed and many more on the way to being delivered. About 100 ecological projects have been awarded and completed in the six geopolitical zones.

The Buhari administration has more than doubled power generation capacity. It has increased generation to 8,100 MW and expanded transmission to more than 7,000 MW capacity, and has successfully deployed thousands of solar power systems to rural and urban households.

This is an administration that has been investing in people. It has introduced a social Investment Programme (SIP), which so far, has four components. These are the N-power employment scheme that is hitting 500,000 this year, the home grown school feeding program that feeds more than nine million school children across the federation, the Government Enterprise and Empower Program, GEEP giving out interest-free loans to millions of market women, traders, artisans and farmers and the conditional cash transfer, CCT which pays N5,000 monthly to the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country.

In dealing with security, one of the first major steps by the Buhari administration was the revitalisation of the Multi-national Joint Task force , MNJTF aimed at combating transborder crime and the Boko Haram insurgency. The MNJTF has the support and participation of neighbouring countries Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin, in addition to Nigeria.

On the day of his inauguration, the President had directed the relocation of the command and control centre of the Boko Haram war to Maiduguri, the epicentre of the insurgency.

The military has since proclaimed victory over the Boko Haram terrorists, following the capture of their operational and spiritual headquarters, “Camp Zero” in Sambisa Forest.

So far, more than one million displaced persons have returned to their homes and communities. About 20,000 hostages have been freed. One hundred and six (106) Chibok Girls, abducted in April 2014 and 105 Dapchi Girls abducted in February 2018 have been released and reunited with their families

In the area of diplomacy and international relations, the Buhari administration has re-established Nigeria’s position and influence in regional and global arena.

As a political leader, Muhammadu Buhari enjoys three formidable assets– his record as a disciplined former Army General, his reputation as an honest leader who has not allowed corruption to flourish under his watch when he served as a state Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum and Military Head of State and the public perception of his record as one who stands for and by the truth, Mai Gaskiya.

The main opposition to President Buhari, the Peoples Democratic Party failed to realize how much these qualities meant to ordinary Nigerians; they did not reckon with the disillusionment of the citizens with their perceived acts of commission and omission for the 16 years they were in power.

They must by now, have realized with a with benefit of hindsight, that demonization and denigration of an individual does not bring in poll dividends. In their campaigns, they chose to demonise and denigrate Muhammadu Buhari as President. It did not pay.

Before and after this election, there is no face in the opposition who can match President Buhari’s inspiring character and personality. Many, including this reporter, believe that it wasn’t the rail, road or achievements in the power sector that won this election for President Buhari. No doubt, these and many others are important. They may have added a bit here and a bit there. But what won it for him, was the focus by the voter on the single most important factor of Mai Gaskiya.

Garba Shehu is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity

Presidency Angry With Apostles Of Evil, As Buhari Returns From 10-Day Visit To UK

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

As President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja today, Sunday, after a 10-day private visit to the United Kingdom, the Presidency has asked those it described as apostle of evils to apologize to Nigerians for spreading rumour about the ill health of the President.

The Presidency noted: “some reckless online media, irresponsible political opposition, and other bilious groups and individuals, had gone on overdrive since the President left the country on April 25, insinuating that he was going for hospitalization, and would not return after 10 days as stated. In their vain imaginations, they even stated that fictive doctors have advised President Buhari to stay longer for more intensive care.”

A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, shortly after President Buhari’s plane touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, said that now that the President has returned, “can these apostles of evil imaginings swallow their words?

“Can they retract their tendentious stories as well as press statements, and apologize to millions of Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora that they have fed with hogwash?”

Adesina said that the World Press Freedom Day that was celebrated recently should not be taken to mean liberty for anyone to mislead and hoodwink the populace through concocted and jejune publications.

He stressed that Buhari administration will always respect and uphold press freedom, but that the onus lies on those prone to passing off fiction as facts, to remember that freedom demands concomitant responsibility.

“Those who further share and disseminate falsehood are also encouraged to embrace responsible conduct.”

How Holy Qur’an Was Translated Into Ebira Language, Speech By AbdulGaniyyu Ahmad

Greenbarge Reporters

May 4, 2019

All praises, exaltation and glorification are due to the Almighty Allah, the Creator and Controller of the Universe. May His benedictions, ceaseless peace and unquantifiable blessings be unto the Best and Leader of all creatures, the most Beloved of the Creator, the Chief Intercessor on the day of judgement, Muhammad RasuuluLlah (SallaLlaahu alaihi wa sallam).

Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Ebira speaking people of Nigeria with the advent of this noble project whose product is being presented to you today. It is the delight of every Ebira Muslim as well as other Brothers and Sisters from other linguistic persuasions to have been blessed with another language being added to the list of the languages through which the meaning and context of the words of Allah SWT are translated for deeper comprehension. We glorify the Almighty Allah for His mercies and benevolence which led us to this attainment. Alhamdulillah.

The Committee was brought together through Almighty Allah’s providence over 10 (ten) years ago, under the chairmanship of Alhaji Ademoh Isa Ovurevu (a retired Director of Agriculture, FCDA), who has gone back to Allah over a year ago. (May Allah SWT have mercy on his soul and accept his efforts as Sadaqatul-Jaariya, Aameen). His house served as a Secretariat as well as lodge for the Translators during the periodic meetings of the Committee, while also funding the logistic requirements of the effort till he departed this world.

Alhaji Yusuf Ozi Usman, a veteran journalist, attached to the Presidency, author of many books, (including Ebira Dictionary) and a Publisher, was instrumental to the conception of the Committee, where he called the foundation meeting comprising of the Chairman, Alhaji Ademoh, the Secretary, Murtada Abd al-Rahman and himself). He also brought his robust knowledge of the art of translation to bear in the Committee’s work, with adherence to the currently accepted format of rendering Ebira Language in writing.

Ustaaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana, an Islamic scholar, a teacher and Imam, was initially working independently on the Qur’anic translation before he was invited to join the Committee in Abuja for a holistic and robust team work. Ustaaz Musa Salihu was able to contribute a greater portion of the translation work which was edited by other translators, while he also edited the work of others.

Sheikh Moosa Yousuf Onogu, a renown Islamic scholar of repute, a tireless activist on Islamic propagation and a selfless community supporter, remains the Propeller and Conscience of the Committee. Allah SWT may have made him a strength for the committee in order not to allow inertia to overtake the noble work that has come such a long way. He was literally on the neck of every member of the Committee, pushing, cajoling, alerting while also translating and editing as well. He was mainly instrumental to the convening of this event today. May Allah SWT continue to preserve and strengthen him in the service of Islam and humanity, Aameen.

Ustaaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi, an Islamic scholar, activist and a lecturer of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Abuja, brought his scholarly and tutoring experience to aid in the translation and editing. Sheikh Moosa Onogu and Ustaaz Isma’il have spent most times together running into days after every committee meeting to bring the work to the current level.

Kabiru Ademoh Isa is the eldest son of the founding chairman of the committee and has been invited to continue in place of his father as a Host and member of the Committee. He has since then been active and supportive, following the footsteps of his father in ensuring that the work of the committee continued unabated.

Myself as the current chairman, I volunteered to serve in the committee after the demise of the foundation chairman and have tried my modest best to support the effort within the limits of my meager resources for Allah’s sake.

The Secretary of the Committee, Murtada Abd al-Rahman, who is also the Imam of the neighbourhood Masjid built by Alhaji Ademoh (of blessed memory), provided secretarial coverage for the project, structured the proposal that forms the foundation of the effort while documenting the efforts of the committee and providing support services to ensure the continuity of the work.

The Printer of the work, Subhaan Muhammad, has been with the Committee since inception, printing and re-printing all the scripts for correction continuously and committedly without receiving payment for workmanship. He was co-opted into the committee considering his appreciation of the worthiness of the work.

We are pleased to announce that the project is almost completed, with about half of the translated manuscripts edited. We have only been able to print the thirtieth part (Juz’i), based on available resources. We are ready to commence the printing of the subsequent parts, and this is where the support of individuals and organizations are needed. We are not ‘launching’ the printed copies, rather, we want to encourage Brothers and Sisters to, in the spirit of Sadaqatul-Jaariyah, contribute towards the production of at least 1,000,000 copies for distribution to all the nooks and crannies of indigenous Ebira speaking areas in States of Kogi, FCT-Abuja, Nasarawa and those resident in different parts of the country and abroad, with a population numbering over 7 (seven) million.

The second phase of this project is expected to produce Audio CDs containing the exact translation of the Qur’anic verses rendered succinctly to support smooth reading of the printed texts.

Pledge Forms are provided for filling by intending personalities willing to donate Fee-SabeeliLlaah for the completion of the project which will involve a lot of printing and administrative costs.

The Committee would like to commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the 2 (two) Holy Mosques (Haramain), for the enduring and lofty effort of propagating and disseminating the message of the Glorious Qur’an all over the world through consistent support to genuine efforts of translating the Holy Qur’an in diverse languages across the globe. We pray that may Almighty Allah SWT continue to strengthen and guide them in this Godly service.

This body is deeply pleased that today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the custodian of the two Holy Mosques are present in this hall, as ably represented by His Excellency, Adnan Bin Mahmud Bostaji. We are very hopeful that this important presence will go a long way in helping us realize our dreams.

We hearken to state that we will be very much appreciative of any constructive criticism, objective observations and contributions to the technicalities of the work which we will gladly reflect in the main printing that is coming later.

We sincerely appreciate the presence of everyone that graced this occasion and congratulates all for being part of this lofty and historic effort. May Allah SWT accept all our efforts and grant all journey mercies back home, Aameen.

AbdulGaniyu is the chairman of the committee for the translation of Qur’an into Ebira, +234 803 624 0063.

We’ll Promote Ebira Qur’anic Translation, As One Of African Languages – Saudi Amb.

Greenbarge Reporters

May 4, 2019

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Mahmoud Bostaji has promised that his country will work with the committee that carried out the translation of the Holy Qur’an into Ebira language to spread the language among other African languages currently being promoted.

Ambassador Adnan Bostaji, who spoke today, Saturday at the public presentation at the National Mosque Abuja, of the Ebira Qur’anic translation, said that the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex has so far printed translated Qur’an in 18 different African languages.

He listed them as Amazig, Anko, urumaian, Basa, Dagapani, Zulu, Swahili, Chshau, Somalian, Fulanta, Langala, Malagasy, Mundakia, Jakhniki, Hausa and Yoruba.

“We will be working together to make the Ebira language one of those languages, and we will soon see, by the Will of Allah, the Glorious Quran completely translated into Ebira language. ”

The Ambassador said that since 1984 when the Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah Al-Munawwarah was established, it has printed the Qur’an and distributed to Muslims in various places of the world in various recitation patterns.

“It has also translated the meanings of the Qur’an into more than 70 languages, some of which are in the printing stage, whereas other translations are being prepared and studied. As at the beginning of 2019, the distribution of the copies of the Glorious Qur’an as well as recording thereof, and parts of the Qur’an, and Yasin Quarter, translations and others, to Muslims within and outside the Kingdom in various places of the world, has reached 311,882,269 copies.”

Ambassador Adnan Bostaji said that the Complex presents about 1,800,000 copies of the Qur’an to pilgrims who visit the Holy land to perform hajj every year, adding that during the hajj season of last year, 1,626,608 copies were distributed.

He said that the translation of the Glorious Qur’an into Ebira language followed the Sunna (practice) of Prophet Muhammad’s saying: “convey the message (of Allah in the Qur’an) from me even if it were just one verse.

Giving the historical evolution of the translation of the Qur’an into Ebira language, chairman of the committee, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmad said that it all started by Yusuf Ozi Usman, a veteran journalist, author of many books, including Ebira Engrlish Dictionary and Publisher, when he called maiden meeting comprising late Alhaji Isah Ovurevu Ademoh, Ustaz Murtada Abd-al-Rahman.

“He also brought his robust knowledge of the art of translation to bear in the committee’s work, with adherence to the current acceptable format of rendering Ebira language in writing.”

Alhaji AbdulGaniu said that he was brought into the committee at the demise of Alhaji Isa Ademoh, including the son of the late chairman, Malam Kabiru Ademoh.

Other members of the committee of the committee he listed were an Islamic scholar, Sheikh Moosa Yousuf Onogu; Ustaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana and an Arabic lecturer at the University of Abuja, Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi.

Also speaking at the public presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Abdulfattah Adeyemi traced the history of Ebira and the language, saying that the translation of the Qur’an into the language will enable over 80 percent of the over two million speakers of the language to benefit from Islamic and Qur’anic knowledge, which Prophet Muhammad enjoined every Muslim to seek even if in China.

The occasion was attended by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, represented by one of his top aides, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Okara, many Islamic scholars and traditional rulers.

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